Day-to-day management is often dominated by operational issues: managing projects, solving problems, leading teams. What is often neglected, however, is the strategic outlook. Yet it is precisely this that is crucial to the company’s long-term success.
Our client – the logistics division of a leading media group – also faced this challenge. Building on the findings of a development centre, the aim was to strengthen and sustainably embed the strategic competence of managers in a targeted manner. managerberater developed a compact training programme designed to help operational managers keep the ‘big picture’ in mind, better recognise interrelationships and make well-informed decisions with a view to long-term goals.
The training consisted of three modules, each lasting three hours, which were held at intervals of several weeks. To prepare, participants were given short video clips or reading materials before each module. In addition, they worked on practical tasks, which were then discussed together at the next session. In terms of content, the training was based on McGuinness’s strategy pyramid model: Purpose – Strategy – Execution (McGuinness, 2012).
In the first module (“Purpose”), the participants deepened their understanding of their department’s purpose. They reflected on the company’s values and used these to formulate a mission and a department-specific vision.
The second module (“Strategy”) focused on developing a viable strategy. The participants formulated their strategic intent, defined key areas of action and prioritised the most important levers for success. With the help of tried-and-tested analytical tools, they analysed their current situation and identified specific strategic priorities.
The third module (“Execution”) focused on successful implementation. Participants translated their own strategies into specific objectives, initiatives and key performance indicators, and developed a clear communication strategy for their area of responsibility. A key topic here was stakeholder management. The introduction of tools such as OKRs and KPIs is intended to help participants measure progress and consistently manage implementation in the future.
Across the three modules, the participants developed a sharper strategic understanding and concrete approaches for their day-to-day leadership roles. And what was the feedback from the participants? Consistently positive – a training course offering plenty of helpful insights that can be put directly into practice in their own leadership roles.
A compact management training programme designed to develop strategic skills within the logistics division of a media group – practical, modular and directly applicable to day-to-day management tasks.
